Overview
On July 13, 1966, Richard Speck murdered eight student nurses in a Chicago townhouse, torturing and killing them over several hours. Sole survivor Corazon Amurao hid under a bed and later provided critical testimony leading to his conviction.
Richard Speck Background
- Born December 6, 1941 in Kirkwood, Illinois; raised primarily in Dallas, Texas
- Extensive criminal history including forgery, burglary, and assault
- Spent time in prison before the 1966 murders
- Age 24 at time of the crimes
The Crime
- Evening of July 13, 1966: Speck entered townhouse occupied by student nurses from South Chicago Community Hospital
- Armed with knife and gun; bound victims using torn bedsheets
- Killed eight women by strangling or stabbing in different rooms
- Some victims arrived home during the rampage and were also killed
- Raped at least one victim
The Victims
| Name | Notable Details |
|---|
| Nina Jo Schmale | Brother John established scholarship at Wheaton College; helped start Our Nurses Memorial Association |
| Suzanne Farris | Brother John carried her school photo in his wallet to remember her |
| Mary Ann Jordan | Active sense of humor; planned to pursue bachelor's degree in nursing |
| Merlita Gargullo | Oldest of nine children; from Philippines; studied nursing in Manila; two younger sisters became nurses |
| Pamela Lee Wilkening | Statement: "I like people very much I've never like to see them suffer"; member of Future Nurses Club |
| Gloria Davy | Northern Illinois University sorority created award in her honor (1967); she and four sisters born at Chicago Community Hospital |
| Patricia Matusik | Statement: "Ever since I can remember I wanted to be a nurse because I enjoy helping those in need" |
| Valentina Pasion | Born February 14, 1942 (Valentine's Day); met Merlita on plane from Philippines |
The Survivor and Investigation
- Corazon Amurao, age 23, escaped by hiding under her bed throughout the attack
- Provided detailed description to authorities of killer's appearance
- Described distinguishing features: pockmarked skin and "Born to Raise Hell" tattoo
- Speck attempted suicide shortly after murders
- Doctor at Cook County Hospital identified Speck's tattoo matching Amurao's description
The Trial
- Held April 3, 1967 in Peoria, Illinois
- Diagnosed as sociopath by psychiatric team but deemed competent to stand trial
- Amurao testified, left witness box to point directly at Speck saying "This is the man"
- Convicted and initially sentenced to death by electric chair
- Resentenced to eight consecutive life terms
Imprisonment and Death
- Video obtained by journalist Bill Curtis showed Speck in prison with cocaine, engaging in sexual acts, discussing the murders
- Illegally obtained female hormones while incarcerated; developed female breasts
- Died of heart attack December 5, 1991 (one day before 50th birthday)
- Body went unclaimed and was cremated